Latest news with #Korean
UPI
22 minutes ago
- Politics
- UPI
The real threat on Korean Peninsula: Chinese, North Korean political warfare
North Korea's Kim Jong-Un (L) and China's Xi Jinping are both engaging in political warfare with South Korea. File Photo by KNCA/EPA July 30 (UPI) -- Amid escalating tensions between conservatives and liberals in South Korea, and as the world fixates on North Korea's menacing nuclear arsenal, a more insidious threat is shaping the fate of the Korean Peninsula: sophisticated and largely covert political warfare orchestrated by the regimes in Beijing and Pyongyang. While missile launches and rhetoric grab international headlines, China's strategy of "unrestricted warfare" and the Kim family's brand of "political warfare with Juche characteristics" are quietly undermining the Republic of Korea from within, eroding its democracy and threatening the pillars of the ROK-U.S. alliance. Unrestricted warfare and "three warfares" in the Korean context China's concept of "unrestricted warfare" -- popularized by the People's Liberation Army and operationalized through the Chinese Communist Party's United Front Work Department -- goes far beyond traditional battlefield engagement. It includes a coordinated, all-domain campaign of "three warfares," psychological operations, legal, or lawfare, maneuvers and media/public opinion warfare. The goal of these tactics is clear: to weaken adversaries without firing a shot, minimize attribution and gain strategic dominance by sowing confusion, division and dependency in targeted societies. In South Korea, the United Front Work Department plays a pivotal role in coordinating influence operations. The department actively seeks to suppress dissent against the Chinese Communist Party, monitor diaspora communities and foster loyalty among ethnic Chinese within South Korea. Organizations such as the All-Korean Nationals of Chinese Descent Council mirror similar work department-aligned groups worldwide, cultivating pro-Beijing sentiment and integrating the community under CCP-friendly leadership. Intelligence gathering, elite capture, economic coercion and technology transfer are just a few of the tactics employed to shape South Korean policy and public opinion in ways that align with Beijing's interests. Political warfare with Juche characteristics: North Korea's hand North Korea, under the Kim family regime, has long waged political warfare, guided by its own Juche ideology, as a core weapon against the South. Pro-North Korean elements within South Korea, spanning political figures, civic organizations and clandestine networks pursue active subversion. Their efforts, sometimes lead to legal intervention, fuel political controversies and polarization, further complicating South Korea's internal dynamics. These activities are not theoretical concerns; they are ongoing, with direct implications for key political events such as the snap presidential election held last June. Covert assistance from Pyongyang's United Front Department and the Reconnaissance General Bureau supports agents of influence in the South, aiming to delegitimize Seoul's democratic institutions and fracture the U.S.-ROK security partnership. The subtle power of covert action One of the defining qualities of Chinese and North Korean influence operations is mastery of covert action. Their tradecraft is designed around deniability: admit nothing, deny everything, and make counteraccusations to undermine any allegations of illicit activities. The lack of overt evidence is not proof of innocence, but rather a hallmark of skillful subversion and effective tradecraft. When credible exposés or documentaries reveal such operations, well-coordinated attacks arise, not organically, but as orchestrated disinformation campaigns intended to discredit the truth and intimidate dissenters. The almost instantaneous, highly synchronized responses to critical media coverage of Chinese or North Korean influence operations in South Korea reveal the depth of planning and forethought -- not spontaneous public backlash, but a calculated attempt to manipulate perceptions and stifle legitimate concerns. Strategic objectives undermining democracy and the alliance The objectives of China and North Korea are inextricably linked. Beijing views a weak or politically fractured South Korea as a strategic advantage, undermining U.S. influence in the region and shifting the balance of power in favor of Chinese interests. Simultaneously, Pyongyang seeks to drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington, undermine the legitimacy of South Korea's democracy and eventually end the U.S. nuclear umbrella, as well as the American military presence on the peninsula. Both regimes benefit from mutual reinforcement: Chinese support for North Korean provocations and Pyongyang's subversive leverage serves the broader aim of turning the Korean Peninsula into a fault line in U.S.-China strategic competition. This shared interest sustains a persistent campaign to destabilize the South, not just through conventional threats, but by eroding the very fabric of Korean society and politics from within. South Korea: battleground of strategic competition The Korean Peninsula is no longer just a flashpoint for North Korean military threats or domestic political struggles; it is ground zero in the broader clash between U.S.-led democratic alliances and authoritarian great power ambitions. Rather than simply preparing for open aggression, South Korea must recognize and counter the unseen campaigns waged daily by its northern neighbor and the world's most powerful authoritarian state. Ignoring or dismissing these operations as "fake news" or conspiracy theory only serves the interests of Beijing and Pyongyang. Their sophisticated political warfare is a direct assault on South Korea's independence, democratic institutions and its alliance with the United States. Recognizing and exposing these malign activities, however subtle, covert or denied, is the first step to ensuring South Korea's sovereignty, security and continued prosperity. South Korea must therefore invest in robust counterintelligence, civic education and information resilience to protect its democratic system. Only by acknowledging the true nature of the threat, one that operates invisibly but with strategic intent, can the Korean Peninsula avoid being reshaped according to the designs of those who seek its division and subjugation. David Maxwell is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces colonel who has spent more than 30 years in the Asia Pacific region. He specializes in Northeast Asian security affairs and irregular, unconventional and political warfare. He is vice president of the Center for Asia Pacific Strategy and a senior fellow at the Global Peace Foundation. After he retired, he became associate director of the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University. He is on the board of directors of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea and the OSS Society and is the editor at large for the Small Wars Journal.
Economic Times
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Economic Times
Hyundai Motors India reports 8% decline in June quarter net profit at Rs 1,369 crore
Hyundai Motor India's net profit fell by 8% to Rs 1,369.23 crore in the first quarter. Revenue also decreased by 5%. Export volumes increased by 13%, offsetting weak domestic growth. Rural sales contributed significantly. The company started engine production in Pune. They anticipate a recovery in domestic demand due to monsoon and festive season. Hyundai shares closed down by 0. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Korean auto major Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) Wednesday reported 8% decline in consolidated net profit at Rs 1,369.23 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, 2025 on back of sluggish consumer demand for automobiles in the local company had reported net profit of Rs 1,489.65 crore in the corresponding period of the last financial year. Brokerage firm Normura had estimated the company to report 18% decline in net profit at Rs 1,215 crore in the period under fell 5% to Rs 16,412.9 crore last quarter, from Rs 17,344.2 crore a year earlier. Despite lower volumes, a richer product mix helped the company increase average selling price to Rs 765,000 (from Rs 760,000 in Q1 FY25).Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) stood at Rs 2,185.20 crore in the first quarter compared to Rs 2,340.3 crore in Q1FY25. EBITDA margins dipped to 13.3% from 13.5% in the year-ago Kim, Managing Director at Hyundai Motor India said, 'We continued our stated strategy of 'Quality of Growth' in the first quarter of FY 2026 with balance between domestic & exports, market share and profitability. This strategy helped us to sustain strong EBITDA margin of 13.3% during the quarter, despite tough macro economic environment.'Export volumes rose 13% year-on-year, offsetting subdued domestic growth, which remained under pressure due to ongoing macroeconomic challenges. Within the local market too, consumer demand in rural areas was better than those in urban. Rural contribution to total sales rose to 22.6% during the quarter, as the company expanded into untapped white space company also reported an enhanced CNG share of 15.6%, supported by the rollout of new dual-cylinder technology and fresh CNG variants, contributing to a broader fuel mix strategy.'Moving forward, we anticipate gradual recovery in domestic demand sentiments, driven by onset of monsoon & festive season coupled with government policy measures, while on the exports front, we are confident to maintain a positive momentum, in line with our growth commitments', Kim the operational front, Hyundai Motor India announced the commencement of engine production at its Pune manufacturing facility. The unit has capacity to produce 150,000 engines per Anjum which will be utilised to meet domestic demand, for of Hyundai Motor India closed at Rs 2084.95, down by 0.76% on close at BSE.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Hyundai Motors India reports 8% decline in June quarter net profit at Rs 1,369 crore
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel Korean auto major Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) Wednesday reported 8% decline in consolidated net profit at Rs 1,369.23 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, 2025 on back of sluggish consumer demand for automobiles in the local company had reported net profit of Rs 1,489.65 crore in the corresponding period of the last financial year. Brokerage firm Normura had estimated the company to report 18% decline in net profit at Rs 1,215 crore in the period under fell 5% to Rs 16,412.9 crore last quarter, from Rs 17,344.2 crore a year earlier. Despite lower volumes, a richer product mix helped the company increase average selling price to Rs 765,000 (from Rs 760,000 in Q1 FY25).Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) stood at Rs 2,185.20 crore in the first quarter compared to Rs 2,340.3 crore in Q1FY25. EBITDA margins dipped to 13.3% from 13.5% in the year-ago Kim, Managing Director at Hyundai Motor India said, 'We continued our stated strategy of 'Quality of Growth' in the first quarter of FY 2026 with balance between domestic & exports, market share and profitability. This strategy helped us to sustain strong EBITDA margin of 13.3% during the quarter, despite tough macro economic environment.'Export volumes rose 13% year-on-year, offsetting subdued domestic growth, which remained under pressure due to ongoing macroeconomic challenges. Within the local market too, consumer demand in rural areas was better than those in urban. Rural contribution to total sales rose to 22.6% during the quarter, as the company expanded into untapped white space company also reported an enhanced CNG share of 15.6%, supported by the rollout of new dual-cylinder technology and fresh CNG variants, contributing to a broader fuel mix strategy.'Moving forward, we anticipate gradual recovery in domestic demand sentiments, driven by onset of monsoon & festive season coupled with government policy measures, while on the exports front, we are confident to maintain a positive momentum, in line with our growth commitments', Kim the operational front, Hyundai Motor India announced the commencement of engine production at its Pune manufacturing facility. The unit has capacity to produce 150,000 engines per Anjum which will be utilised to meet domestic demand, for of Hyundai Motor India closed at Rs 2084.95, down by 0.76% on close at BSE.
Eater
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Eater
Eater and Thrillist Nominated for Three New York Emmy Awards
The nominations for the 2025 New York Emmy Awards were announced on Tuesday, and Eater and Thrillist were nominated for three videos in the Lifestyle, Informational/Instructional, and Human Interest categories. An episode of Eater's Mise en Place that features restaurateur Simon Kim and chef SK Kim of Korean fried chicken restaurant Coqodaq was honored in the Lifestyle category. In the video, the chefs showcase how they create and serve the restaurant's signature $38 fried chicken bucket with Korean banchan, condiments, and noodles. The episode was produced by Daniel Geneen, who also directed alongside Murilo Ferreira. Ferreira and Nick Mazzocchi handled shooting, and Christian Moreno was the episode's editor. In the Informational/Instructional category, an episode of Eater's The Experts that featured New York City street vendor Nuts4Nuts was nominated. Co-founder Alejandro Rad shows viewers how the pushcart roasts nearly 300,000 pounds of nuts annually with a fleet of more than 1,000 employees. The episode was produced by Carla Francescutti, who also directed alongside Ferreira. Francescutti and Ferreira handled shooting, and Lucy Morales Carlisle was the episode's editor. Finally, a Thrillist video, part of The Extra Mile series, that goes behind the scenes of the NYC subway system, was nominated in the Human Interest Category. MTA conductor Etanya Tisdale explains the ins and outs of the transportation behemoth that moves 400 million commuters daily. The episode was produced by Janae Price. Jay Simms handled shooting, Jasmine Lewis was the episode's editor, and Annie Harrigan was the editorial coordinator. Eater's video team has won five New York Emmy Awards, including wins in 2022 and in 2021, both for episodes of Vendors. The team was also nominated last year. The winners of the 2025 NY Emmys will be announced on October 11.
GMA Network
2 hours ago
- GMA Network
Koreans arrested for fake travel agency, streaming app scams in Pampanga
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested four Korean citizens in two separate operations in Pampanga. According to John Consulta's report in '24 Oras' on Wednesday, two Koreans were arrested for operating a fake travel agency while two others were allegedly masterminds of a streaming app scam. In one operation, personnel from BI's Fugitive Search Unit busted a residence after the Department of Tourism received complaints from some foreigners and Filipinos who were scammed by the illegitimate travel agency. Authorities found at the scene the desktop computers being used for the sham travel agency, the report added. 'Nagpapanggap nga sila na travel agency at nagtatawag sa kanilang mga biktima sa Korea upang alukin ng mga mababang flights at mababang rates sa mga hotels sa atin,' said BI Fugitive Search Unit chef Rendel Sy. (They were posing as a travel agency and were offering Koreans low rates for flights and hotels here in our country.) 'May nakausap tayong isang hotel sa Cebu at sinasabing may lumapag sa kanilang more than 30 Korean nationals na akala nila may booking sila dito sa isang 5-star hotel. Ngunit nung chineck ng hotel ay wala pong naka-register na booking itong grupong ito,' he added. (We talked to a hotel in Cebu and they told us that more than 30 Korean nationals went to them expecting that they already had a booking in this 5-star hotel. But when the hotel management checked, these foreigners did not make bookings.) In another operation, two other foreigners were arrested inside a villa for luring people to subscribe to an online streaming app. One of them is allegedly the leader of a scamming syndicate in South Korea, the report added. 'Na kukumbinsihin nila itong magpadala ng pera or mag-subscribe kung saan ito ay walang totoong subscription sa sinasabing movie streaming application,' Sy added. (They will convince them to send money or subscribe to a non-existent movie streaming application.) GMA Integrated News is trying to reach out to the arrested foreigners who will face summary deportation. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BM, GMA Integrated News
